This could be Athens Grease Festival's theme song!!

Athens Grease Festival: Local volunteer to chair festival that will celebr...

Athens Grease Festival: Local volunteer to chair festival that will celebr...: Local volunteer to chair festival that will celebrate all things fried ATHENS, Ala. – Christy Hubbard has volunteered at fundraisers that ...

Fried pie recipe...check out Momma Shirley's  recipe on the Athens Grease Festival blog.

Yum!

 Email us if you'd like to be notified of volunteer opportunities for the Athens Grease Festival.  We are looking for committee chairs, committee members, and workers the day of the event.

Be sure to also check out the festival website for updates.

We had a great turnout for the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Open House on April 6.  Hundreds of children stampeded the courthouse lawn looking for prize eggs and businesses were hopping with customers looking for those last minute Easter treats.

Volunteers stuff 2000 eggs!

Special thanks to participating businesses; Bennett's Clothing, Pablos on Market, Center for Lifelong Learning, Claborn Specialties, Pimentos, Hyatt and Sims, Crawford's Gifts, LuVicis, UG White and Trinitys.

To see more photos, visit AthensPlus.  

 

Members of the Organization committee Kay Kime, Deborah Daws and Diane Lehr, promote being healthy and walking downtown.  Spirit of Athens distributing walking route information, iWalk tshirts, and pedometers courtesy of Westside Jiffy Pharmacy.

Residents will soon see 16 new banners downtown made possible by a donation from Athens Rotary Club.  The "Square" banner was designed by Arnett Muldrow & Associates during the city branding campaign conducted last fall.  The 30 x 30 banners will replace the current banners downtown.  When asked during focus group work sessions, the attendees said they referred the downtown area as "The Square."  Ben Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow & Associates, said the new image "embraced the local vernacular." 

The Athens Rotary Club is also funding 16 new Christmas banners that will use another image created during the city branding campaign. 

Three new bike racks should be in place in the next 6-8 weeks.  Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful sponsored two racks and West End Outdoors sponsored one.  The racks will be placed near Village Pizza, Limestone Drug, and the Center for Lifelong Learning.   

Spirit of Athens appreciates these sponsors in making these improvements projects possible in our downtown.  

Volunteer Spotlight
by Pam Hartmann, Organization committee


 

Letisha Brinkley, SOA Board member and Promotion Chair

"I remember when I would come to visit my Grandad in the summer, he would take me and my siblings to Athens Limestone Drugs for an ice cream cone."

These are the childhood memories that linger forever in the back of one's mind-   a trip to downtown Athens with Grandad on a sultry, summer afternoon for a special treat.   Seen through the eyes of a child, this magic moment was one of many memories that kept calling local realtor Latisha Brinkley back to Athens.  Although born in Huntsville, Letisha's family moved to California when she was two, and she remained there until her late teens.  When  faced with the choice of where to live  upon her move back to the area, she remembered  how she loved the "old time charm and warmth that Athens offers."  Like so many natives, Brinkley admits that it wasn't until she grew up that she came to truly appreciate and acknowledge the beauty of Athens.

Spending time with friends downtown, eating lunch and going shopping in the many boutiques on the square reminded Brinkley how much of a treasure the area offered.  She credits Trisha Black- S.O.A  Director and Diane Lehr- S.O.A. Organization Committee Chair with igniting her desire to get involved with Spirit of Athens, after seeing how passionate they were for the program.

Enthusiastic about her decision, Brinkley stated  "I believe in what Spirit of Athens stands for. I support this program because of what if offers the community and also because of the awesome people that serve in it."

 Brinkley was invited to be on the board of Spirit of Athens in January of 2011 and is now serving as Promotions chairperson.  So what is the Promotions committee all about?  Brinkley summed it up perfectly-  "We are the mouth of the south, so to speak!  It's our job to promote the downtown as a whole, support downtown businesses and promote events downtown.  I believe in the heart of a community and when the heart is beating, the rest of the body can survive!  The downtown area is the heart of Athens."

Letisha recently celebrated her 13th wedding anniversary with her husband Kenny Brinkley of Kenny's Kutz.  They are proud parents to Jamie, Skye and Hannah.  Kenny shares his wife's love of downtown Athens and is owner of Brinkley Ink Screenprinting.

What little girl doesn't like to dress up with makeup and rhinestones? Most do and if you're looking for a special treat for your little princess, "Dash of Sparkle" in downtown Athens is the place to take her. Now open at 316 West Market Street, owner April Craig, will dress them up with diva hair, makeup, and accessories.  Call now to make an appointment, or let her custom design a special event or birthday party.  She also provides services for pageants and weddings.  Call her at 256-614-9147 to learn more.

Spirit of Athens to Host Awards Luncheon on January 31

by Diane Lehr, SOA Board Member and Organization Committee Chair

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 31, 2012, and find out what’s popping downtown.

Spirit of Athens is hosting their highly anticipated Annual Meeting and Spirit Awards Luncheon at 11:30 am in the Rogers Center at First Presbyterian Church on Jefferson Street in downtown Athens.  Come out and enjoy a delicious lunch as you hear about the progress that Spirit of Athens has made in its’ quest to move downtown Athens into a bright and promising future. Awards will be presented to a few of the outstanding volunteers and supporters who have demonstrated great interest and service toward the revitalization of Athens’ downtown.  All of the community is invited to the luncheon, which combines the Spirit of Athens annual meeting with the awards’ presentation. This is a great way to show support for the downtown while celebrating with new friends and a few familiar ones.

Have you been interested in finding out more about Spirit of Athens? This luncheon is a great opportunity to hear about the successes and to acknowledge the people who have worked diligently to keep things moving in the right direction.

Although there will be a few guest speakers, the luncheon is planned with an emphasis on fun and food. Spirit of Athens committee members will be visible and ready to offer conversation or information. Help this organization make Athens’ downtown the most successful downtown in Alabama. Seating is limited for the luncheon. Reservations may be made in several ways and the cost for the luncheon is $25. per person. Attendees will enjoy a special meal prepared by LuVici’s and may partake of a smorgasbord of treats and toppings at the popcorn bar. Information on volunteer opportunities, membership and upcoming events will also be available.

The Spirit of Athens, led by executive director, Trisha Black, follows the National Main Street model. The Main Street Four-Point Approach is a unique preservation-based economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize downtowns and neighborhood business districts by leveraging local assets- from historic, cultural, and architectural resources while hosting and promoting  SOA sponsored community events. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the issues that challenge traditional historic downtown districts. The Four-Point approach emphasizes the areas of Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Re-Structuring. All are invited to share their talents and get involved downtown. Come out and enjoy this entertaining and informative event.

Reservations for the Spirit Awards Luncheon, may be purchased online at www.athensspirit.blogspot.com or you can call 256-232-9040, and leave a call back message, or email tblack@athensal.us.  Reservations are due no later than January 27th.

Spirit of Athens, Honestly loves Downtown

By Diane Lehr
Guest Columnist,
The News Courier, Printed November 6, 2011

I serve as a volunteer and board member with Spirit of Athens, the downtown revitalization organization that follows the national Main Street principles for promoting and growing Athens' downtown.  I serve on this board with many dedicated professionals, young and old, who are volunteering their time and energy toward making downtown Athens a wonderful place to be for generations to come. Trisha Black works diligently as an extremely well educated and dedicated executive director for the nonprofit Spirit of Athens organization.

In spite of the opinion of some, I see great advantages to Athens having this downtown revitalization organization and in strategically looking at other cities that have successfully revitalized and grown their own downtown communities. Spirit of Athens recognizes that in order to preserve the historic downtown Square, the Square itself must be economically vibrant and viable. In order to be economically viable, development must be high quality, and historically appropriate. It must be welcoming, and safe and attractive to new businesses, new residents and new users. The historic Athens Square has all the components that new developments like the Villages of Providence in Huntsville are recreating in order to have the 'old town' feel and appeal. Having citizens in agreement and the proper plans in place will protect the downtown from becoming worn down and longing for community activity. The Main Street principles have a proven success record in growing downtown communities across the nation.

Athens' beautiful historic downtown Square is waiting for new residents who will be thrilled to have a loft apartment representing a distinctive place to live in Athens. To my knowledge, it has never been the intention of property owners interested in downtown lofts, to have the fire code ignored. To say building downtown lofts is not responsible, is to say that Athens isn't capable of doing what other cities have succeeded in doing.

Simply sitting back, watching the clock on the Courthouse, and playing armchair quarterback to every idea and effort that organizations like Spirit of Athens present, threatens the future success of the downtown, and Athens as a whole. The downtown Square is one of Athens' trademarks. We should do what it takes to ensure the long term success of this asset because it makes good sense.
I shop at Publix on Highway 72, and I appreciate what Publix offers. However, if you blindly put me in the center of the store, I would not know if I was in Athens or in Madison, or in Memphis, but I would know I was in Publix. Publix intends this familiarity in order to have a Publix identity. 

I also shop at several businesses on The Square from time to time, and I eat lunch or dinner downtown most every week. I travel the extra few blocks to go to downtown Athens for 'the experience' that downtown Athens offers. The independent businesses are unique and support an Athens' identity that is unmistakable. Being downtown gives one a feeling similar to appreciating original art or listening to live music. Downtown is the place where lots of locals bring their guests and the place where memories are built. This is not controversial. It is factual. Spirit of Athens is guilty of successfully promoting this message about the downtown. Spirit of Athens is also guilty of offering high quality ideas, hard work, extensive education and multiple projects in order to positively grow a community that is growing, one way or another.

Loft Development Presentation Online Now!

Developer and preservationist Chris Chain, Renovations of Mississippi, Inc., made public presentation on Thursday, October 20 in Athens, AL.  Click to watch the video.

Ully Fest - Good, Ole Fashioned Fun

Ever tried to explain to your children or grandchildren what life was like without texting, tweeting, skyping or gaming?  On Saturday, October 15, you can experience some good ole fashioned “unplugged” fun at U.G. White Mercantile’s Open House and UllyFest.   From 9 AM to 4 PM, the store will have free family activities, in store demonstrations, refreshments, door prizes, and live entertainment. 
   
“We want to celebrate new product lines and reintroduce the store to those that haven’t been in awhile,” said owner Derrick Young.  “Our schedule that day includes many nostalgic activities for every member of the family.”
 
Activities include pumpkin carving contest, Penny farthing, shooting Red Ryder BB guns and whittling contest.  There will be soap making demonstrations and a honey making presentation.  Weather permitting, there will also be a free dog wash provided by Peace, Love and Animals and live entertainment by Barron River Trio.

Door prizes will include Tilly hats, Red Ryder guns, Case knife, and other store favorites totaling more than $2500 in giveaways.  The winner of the pumpkin carving contest will receive a $300 shopping spree.  Participants for the pumpkin carving contest need to bring their own tools and can purchase a pumpkin on site.  Judging will begin at 3 PM.
   
Ully Fest is in honor of the original owner, Ulysses Grant White a farmer and business owner that founded the store in 1917.  Born in 1876, he tragically lost his right arm in a gin accident in 1902.  In an Alabama Courier article from October 22, 1902, his friends and family stated that “U.G. White, with one arm, is worth more than lots of fellows in a community with two.”  White persevered until his death in 1952.  
   
Young and the U.G. White Mercantile staff are dedicated to preserving the integrity of the store and hope that UllyFest will become an annual celebration.
   
For information on Ully Fest, visit U.G. White on Facebook or call the store at 256-232-4540.

Downtown Athens appeals to new business owners for different reasons

Visitors to downtown Athens have their reasons for being there.  On any given day, the sidewalks are busy with shoppers, residents walking or riding bikes, local government workers, professionals, and curious tourists discovering great little places to have casual meals.
   
But why does a business owner choose to open in the downtown district and invest in a “old” building? Is it the foot traffic?  Not necessarily.

For the owners of Reruns Resale Thrift Store, at 116 North Jefferson Street, it was the love of the old and familiar.

Kim Hill, owner of Reruns Resale

“I always wanted a store in downtown Athens, and especially up on the square. I love the small town atmosphere, in the downtown area. I grew up riding my bike up these sidewalks, so everyday is a trip down memory lane for me,” said Mike Hill, owner.

Hill has always loved antiques especially collectibles including comic books, toy trains, cars and other items he played with as a child.  He also has two Buster Brown comics in his personal collections from the 1930-40s and stamped “Smiths Dry Goods, Athens Alabama.”

Hill and wife Kim wanted to open a store that would carry collectibles along with other quality items. 


Not to be confused with consignment, they sell donated items including clothing, furniture and accessories.

Store hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 PM. Seniors (55 and up), get 40% off every Wednesday.  Donations can be dropped off during store hours.

Leah Handley owner of the Pottery by You studio, 103 North Clinton Street, saw the potential for expansion in downtown Athens.

“We had several customers from Athens so when we thought about expanding, Athens was a logical choice,” said Handley.

Leah Handley, owner of Pottery by You

Handley said they hosted several large groups from Athens in their Madison location.  “So with the encouragement of our loyal customers, we took a leap of faith...even in these hard economic times and we expanded.”

The Athens location can accommodate groups of more than 20 and has a relaxed atmosphere for families looking for a creative outlet.
   
Handley also works with many organizations in creating unique fundraising projects.  To learn more about these projects, or to schedule a group function, call 256-479-9522 or email potterybyyou@gmail.com.
   
In April, Athens State University opened the Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 South Marion Street.  The Center and gift shop compliment existing businesses and fill the needs for a multi use facility. 

"The Center for Lifelong Learning is the University's way of sharing our educational wealth with Athens and Limestone County," states Athens State University President Bob Glenn.  "It encompasses a broad scope of uses - from credit and non-credit class offerings to a gathering place for social and entertainment purposes.  What we hoped would happen has come to fruition as it has fast become a draw to downtown Athens and an educational and entertainment haven for area residents."
   
Continuing education classes include guitar lessons, ACT prep courses, book discussion groups, specialized exercise classes, cake decorating, and more. 
   
To check out the full fall schedule, visit www.athens.edu/CLL or call 256-233-8260.  Meeting space is also available. 

Downtown Athens continues to be a desired location for business owners.  Reasons may vary for investing in the district, but downtown Athens continues to thrive as a hub of activity for the community, serving as the county seat, and preserving the deeply rich heritage that makes it unique.

Other businesses that opened in 2011 include H&S Photography, Kristi A. Valls Law Firm, P.C., Amy Boston Photography, and the Law Office of Steve Andrews. 

For information on available properties, contact Spirit of Athens at 256-232-9040 or email spiritofathens@att.net.

As beautiful and elusive as spilled mercury...

by Chris Paysinger, local historian and SOA member
  
I have had the opportunity to work as a landscaper in Athens and Limestone County during the summers for the past seventeen years. Though it began as a way to make money during some very lean college years, it has continued into my career as a teacher. As my wife Suzanne leaves for work during my “off” months, I thought better of incurring any enmity from her (or worse yet, the much dreaded “Honey-Do” list). So, during that time I gave up the opportunity to sit around sipping coffee and catching up on the witty banter of the Today Show. Instead, I traded leisurely mornings for hours of grueling back-breaking labor.

Yet during my time of seemingly digging up or sodding over half of Athens, I have had a wonderful learning experience from a design perspective. My taste has developed into something I call “Southern Vernacular”. Southerners have always migrated to locally available resources and traditions to address unique needs and circumstances. By doing so, we have found the value in a good porch or patio. Southerners have always seen the worth in indigenous plants, which are not only beautiful, but just as importantly, can withstand blistering summers and frigid winters. The Southern style has always been able to evolve over time to reflect environmental, cultural, and historical context. As with furniture, Southerners will appreciate a good cherry chest, not because it is perfect, but because it has collected patina and imperfections over time.  
   
Southerners, in light of necessity, but also due to the development of a unique style and understanding of place, have long valued the beauty in the collected aesthetic of material and items over time. Plants, for Southerners, have long been something to enjoy, but more importantly, something to share. The created commonality from doing so brings people together and creates context and meaning, not only in the changed landscape, but also in the shared sense of community. How many Southerners have visited over something cold to drink in the growing warmth of spring and traced the ancestry of their gardens back generations?
   
Like so many other traditions however, Southern Vernacular style is quickly being displaced by that of a manufactured aesthetic that is grounded in impermanence. For so many years we in the South valued stacked stones, rescued from so many farmers’ fencerows as borders, replete with lichens and moss that convey age and time. All across the region, people collected brick, locally made, however imperfect, and snaked pathways through yards in an effort to avoid the sticky clay from which they were cast. The new standard is now concrete that gets a good pressure washing every spring. Patios and walkways are made of manufactured materials and “stone” walls are veneered. Landscape design has evolved to plantings that never change, save for a planter that alternates between begonias or pansies, depending on the climate. And as noted landscape architect Chip Callaway has observed, “roses now smell like cabbages.”

Athens is a wonderful Southern town. In defining our future we must stay focused on this fact. In many places we still have venerable old boxwoods that are as tall as the houses they anchor. Large trees and crumbling brick walkways still exist. We have historic districts, a beautiful university, and a town square that have all retained the contextual integrity of history and place. And all of these things are as beautiful, and as elusive, as spilled mercury. There is nothing wrong with a new building or landscape, yet if it is of an inferior quality and design, then something is likely lost forever.

Of all the plants that are inherently Southern, perhaps the Mock Orange is my favorite (many refer to it as an English Dogwood). For the majority of the year it can be a somewhat “scraggily” plant. But for a few weeks each spring, it literally drips with white flowers. Since the end of the Civil War, there has been “the promise of a New South.” It implies that we will never divorce ourselves of our past, though we hope for an improved future. And perhaps this is why the Mock Orange is my favorite. All year, as I look at it out my living room window, though it is wholly imperfect, it offers the promise of something better.